How to become a Wholesale and Retail Buyer
Official title: Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products
Also called: Bakery Buyer, Buyer, Deli Buyer, Frozen Food Buyer, Gourmet Food Buyer, Grocery Buyer, Purchaser, Retail Buyer, Wine Buyer
Buy merchandise or commodities, other than farm products, for resale to consumers at the wholesale or retail level, including both durable and nondurable goods. Analyze past buying trends, sales records, price, and quality of merchandise to determine value and yield. Select, order, and authorize payment for merchandise according to contractual agreements. May conduct meetings with sales personnel and introduce new products. May negotiate contracts. Includes assistant wholesale and retail buyers of nonfarm products.
Main tasks
- Negotiate prices, discount terms, or transportation arrangements with suppliers.
- Inspect merchandise or products to determine quality, value, or yield.
- Recommend mark-up rates, mark-down rates, or merchandise selling prices.
- Obtain information about customer needs or preferences by conferring with sales or purchasing personnel.
- Buy merchandise or commodities for resale to wholesale or retail consumers.
- Collaborate with vendors to obtain or develop desired products.
- Authorize payment of invoices or return of merchandise.
- Consult with store or merchandise managers about budgets or goods to be purchased.
How to become one
Purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents typically need a bachelor's degree, although some employers hire candidates who have a high school diploma. Purchasing managers also need several years of related work experience.
Typical education to start: Bachelor's degree
Read the full guide from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Ways in
- College: Business & Commerce degrees, Offered by 35 universities in the US
- Licence: A licence is required in 6 states.
Pay · Outlook
- About 516,100 people work in this job now, and about 547,000 are projected by 2035. (+6%)
Related jobs
- Buyers and Purchasing Agents, Farm Products
- Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products
- Human Resources Specialists
- Farm Labor Contractors
- Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes
- Business Continuity Planners
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Wholesale and Retail Buyer?
Purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents typically need a bachelor's degree, although some employers hire candidates who have a high school diploma. Purchasing managers also need several years of related work experience.
Is a Wholesale and Retail Buyer a growing career in the US?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 6% by 2035, from about 516,100 to about 547,000 people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Do you need a degree to become a Wholesale and Retail Buyer?
Not always. 43% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Business & Commerce degrees.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025-35 edition (published 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS); photographs excluded, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03
This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.